I wore it for the first time today. Titch, having been very rude about it (a lot of "WTFs?" and "OMGs!") decided that since I was now (theoretically) well-buffered, he could behave as badly as he liked. Which he proceeded to do. He danced in the road, ran away from a Landrover he's known for years, spooked at invisible things in hedges, and generally behaved like a prat.
"Are you going to write about all the amusing things I said?" he asked, as we arrived home (he likes to be quoted on this blog).
"No," I told him, "You don't deserve any more publicity."
But he did get a carrot. Just the one.
Oh dear Frances I worry for you I really do. I think you said that you love Titch because he looks beautiful. I'd rather ride an ugly horse that was placid and boring (like I am). It's much safer. As for rewarding Titch for behaving like a prat? Am I just too practical and hard-hearted?
ReplyDeleteHe only got the one carrot...
DeleteI love reading about Titch, but I'm afraid positive reinforcement for negative behaviour is counterproductive. (I could rattle all that off because I just spent two hours on the phone with my niece whose daughter is 5, plus I often deliver the same lecture to my husband about our dog.)
ReplyDeleteThe inflatable jacket sounds like a good idea. Unfortunately, I don't ride, or I'd get myself one. I'd wear it because I stumble a lot when I walk, but I wouldn't have any idea where to attach the inflator-thingummy.
L
A granny-buffer is a great idea, Kay. I think I could do with one of those as well!
DeleteOh Frances, tell me that you do not look exactly like the Michelin man :)
ReplyDeleteOnly when it blows up, Jenny, and I haven't put that to the test yet, as I'd have to fall off first...
DeleteThe inflatable jacket sounds like a good idea.
ReplyDeleteThat's what eveyrone says, Colette, but I now ride trussed up like a knight going into battle.
DeleteFrances, maybe Titch hated the "new smell" of your jacket.
ReplyDeleteHe sounds like a character, although I think all animals have their own way of making us love them more...yes I actually said that.
He's a sweetie, foul language and all....
Virginia, the trouble with Titch is that he's soooo beautiful (I don't tell him that)!
DeleteInflatable jacket attached to the saddle? So if you were "trying" to get off the saddle (voluntarily or not), wouldn't that attachment be dangerous? I see a horrible mental image of you dangling from one side of Titch, unable to get either back up or properly down, while he is running about madly...
ReplyDeleteAh - I forgot to say that the attachment breaks when you fall, and that causes the thing to inflate. I'm in no hurry to try it out!
DeleteI'm glad you have the jacket and very glad you're back out and about and riding again. Well done to you and Titch for recovering so well. x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joannna!
DeleteDoes Titch think you're damaging his street cred with the new jacket? It certainly sounds like a good idea though x
ReplyDeleteI think he's secretly pleased, Teresa, because it means he's a Dangerous Horse, so his street cred inflates, Just like the jacket.
DeleteI didn't know about the bruise, Frances, so glad to hear you're recovering. Can't imagine you in an inflatable jacket - apart from that illustration and I'm sure it can't be that bad! Titch probably thought someone had taken you over.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me talking about the bruise, Rosemary. I posted a pic on this blog, and bored everyone I saw senseless about it!
ReplyDeleteYou must love Titch very much to go to so much trouble - or maybe you're just mad! I did laugh though.
ReplyDeleteNo, Maggie. It's my own welfare that I love!
DeleteWhat fun! He didn't like being ridden by a balloon. He sounds like a very spoiled horse.
ReplyDeleteThe balloon only happens when you fall off, Yvonne. (That'll teach him.)
ReplyDeleteDoes it make you bounce?
ReplyDeleteI'll let you know...
DeleteI could do with one of these for when I'm negotiating the school corridors at break time.
ReplyDeleteAnd wouldn't the kids just love it, too? "Miss" bouncing to her next class. Could catch on?
Delete